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View Full Version : Broken Heater hose restrictor


rwd_pete
05-28-2015, 10:00 PM
On my way to work today my Impala SS started steaming. When I pulled it over to the roadside, the plastic restrictor on the heater hose had broken and coolant was dumping on a header pipe. I made one of the heater hoses recirc at the water pump and got it home about 5 miles away.

It appears that both hoses are an assembly with a bracket connecting them and the restrictor is built into one end. Does the restrictor serve any real purpose?

Pete
SSlowBoat
05-28-2015, 10:16 PM
No, cut it out. I have cut them out of multiple cars no issues. Especially if you run a 160 stat, you will actually have heat if you remove it
Chris
05-28-2015, 11:55 PM
They are typically there for NVH concerns in cars so you dont hear a waterfall in your dash. Several OEMS have TSBs that add them after the fact for it. No point in spending the money if you listen to the radio at any volume lol
rwd_pete
05-29-2015, 06:25 AM
Thanks for the comments. One less thing to find. I'll just replace the hoses.
superspirit
05-29-2015, 06:54 AM
Actually, you can get a replacement restrictor from Oreilly, its a universal part it's not LT1 specific. I'll see if I can find the part # there only about $10 bucks. they will save your heater core if you get a little throttle happy before the thermostatt opens. actually it is by application, they call it a control valve. here is a link http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search.oap?year=1996&make=Chevrolet&model=Camaro&vi=1035931&keyword=heater+control+valve
SSlowBoat
05-29-2015, 07:49 AM
Heater core isn't gonna blow unless it's already compromised, if you run a 160 stat or an electric water pump you have nothing to worry about.
Dan
05-29-2015, 10:01 AM
I put the one in from O'Reilly... started leaking again. Had to replace entire heater hose assembly...
I'd just throw one it and keep an eye on it
superspirit
05-29-2015, 01:43 PM
Heater core isn't gonna blow unless it's already compromised, if you run a 160 stat or an electric water pump you have nothing to worry about.

This is true, but why accelerate things. I've got one of the oreilly restrictors in my Lt1 blazer, been running it for 2 years no problem yet.